Ballyhoo
Ballyhoo... your local calendar of events
Green Flash, lighthouse climb, donations ...
Newlin’s Mainely Gourmet ...
Starting Monday, May 6, Newlin’s hours will be Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stop by and sample their delicious food at 446 E. Fourth St., Boca Grande.
J.McLaughlin ...
J.McLaughlin introduces its new May Collection with effortless dresses, beachy chic accessories and stylish menswear. Stop in and have a sneak peek this weekend and enjoy light refreshments. They can’t wait to style you for Summer! 360 Park Ave., Boca Grande
Project Graduation ...
Lemon Bay High School Project Graduation committee needs help to make the 2024 Project Graduation event a success for graduating seniors. This all-night party on Friday, May 17 is designed to help keep the high school graduates safe by providing a place to celebrate in a supervised, drug & alcohol-free event. Funding for this event is solely based on community support. Prizes are needed, such as gift cards for gas, fast food, restaurants, coffee, Amazon, etc. Items for college such as bedding, electronics, cooking utensils, etc, are also greatly appreciated. Item donations can be mailed to LBHS Project Graduation PO BOX 191, Englewood FL 34295 or delivered to LBHS or Whidden’s Marina. Learn about Project Graduation at LemonBayhsProjectGraduation.org. Call Melissa Joiner Steyer at (941) 979-2676.
Englewood Helping Hand ...
EHH is accepting nonperishable donations up to May 15. Look for the Blue Barrels at: Crews Bank, Lighthouse United Methodist Church of Boca Grande entrance, and the office on 3rd Street and United States Post Office in Boca Grande. englewoodhelpinghand.org
Maritime Museum ...
Come visit the Gasparilla Island Maritime Museum at Whidden’s Marina open every day! View the tarpon tournament footage and history on the new TV and enjoy the video coverage loop.
United Women in Faith ...
Loading up the car to head north? If you are moving or cleaning house, think about donating furniture to an organization that serves women and children in the local area. To make a delivery, please contact Jan at (941) 964-0562. Leave a message and she will get back to you about drop-off times. The United Women in Faith (UWF), formerly the United Methodist Women, furniture sale is a mission of the Boca Grande Lighthouse Methodist Church.
Lemon Bay Playhouse ...
“Sicilians in the Basement,” a romantic comedy about a hapless couple who open a Swiss Restaurant in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, through Sunday, May 12 Presented by the Lemon Bay Playhouse, 96 W. Dearborn Street, Englewood. Tickets $25 LemonBayPlayhouse.com
Venice Theatre ...
Two brothers pull off a bank heist but their escape plan hits an unexpected snag. Friday, May 3 to Sunday, May 19. Presented by Venice Theatre at the Pinkerton Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice. Tickets $32. VeniceTheatre.org
Lighthouse Climb ...
The Gasparilla Island Lighthouse will be open for climbs on Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to climb one of Florida’s most iconic landmarks and soak in the beauty of Gasparilla Island from a whole new perspective. Whether you’re a local looking for an unforgettable outing or a visitor seeking an authentic Florida experience, this is your moment!
May the Fourth be with you ...
Your last chance to see the Green Flash Band is Saturday, May 4 at Miller’s Dockside. Get your mint julep or a Star Wars Jedi Julip and join the fun! Music starts around 8 p.m.
Cruisin’ on Dearborn ...
Hundreds of cars & thousands of car lovers will converge on W. Dearborn St., Englewood on Saturday, May 4 from 2 to 8 p.m. Free admission.
Water Quality Seminar ...
A Lemon Bay Coastal Water Quality Seminar will be held on Wednesday, May 8 at 5:30 p.m. for refreshments and 6 p.m. seminar at Cape Haze Community Center, 180 Spyglass Alley, Placida. University of Florida professor Dr. Mary Lusk will discuss how different water sources can influence our coastal water quality. The seminar is free and open to the public.
LemonBayConservancy.org
Fly Tying Social ...
Boca Grande Outfitters is hosting a Fly Tying Social on Wednesday, May 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. at 375 Park Ave, 2nd floor, Boca Grande. No experience needed. Bring your materials or use ours. Learn to tie your favorite fly or show others how to. Refreshments and snacks provided. Call (941) 964-2445 with questions.
Create & Sip Art Social ...
“Canvas & Cabernet” enjoy a fun evening of Cabernet and a painting party. Each month is a new painting. On Wednesday, May 8 at 6 p.m. at the Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St., Punta Gorda. New creative projects each month. Tickets $45
VisualArtCenter.org
Nature Walk ...
Join the UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County, and Mangrove Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society as member Dr. Mary Davis leads a walk on Friday, May 10 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Shamrock Park and Nature Center, located at 3900 Shamrock Dr., Venice. Learn about coastal scrub habitat, ecology of plants and animals living in this environment and management challenges of maintaining habitat for the Florida endemic Scrub Jay. Meet at Visitor Center. Free event. Contact mangrovechapter@fnps.org.
Star Search ...
The Charlotte Players are looking for their next local star. Contestants will be competing in a vocal competition to win the grand prize of their own show at the Langdon Playhouse this Fall. Friday, May 10 at 7:30 p.m., 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. CharlottePlayers.org
Personal Watercraft ...
A new 2-hour course covering safety consideration, rules of the road and laws pertaining to the operation of PWC’s. In-person training at the South Gulf Cove HOA building, 14859 Ingraham Blvd., Port Charlotte on Saturday, May 11. On-site registration at 8 a.m. or email LQuirk.uscgaux@gmail.com
Lighthouse Climb ...
The Gasparilla Island Lighthouse will be open for climbs on Saturday, May 11 from 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. This is one of your LAST chances to experience the breathtaking views from the top before it closes until mid-October!
Ladies Day ...
The Ladies Day Tarpon Tournament will be held on Saturday, May 11 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. hosted by the Boca Grande Chamber. For registration visit BocaGrandeChamber.com
Sunday, May 12
The Brothers Doobie ...
There’s no one in the industry today that can recreate the sound and style of the world-famous Doobie Brothers. Sunday, May 12 at 2 p.m. Presented by Venice Theatre at the Venice High School, 1 Indian Ave., Venice. Tickets $56. VeniceTheatre.org
Long Time Gone ...
The music of Crosby, Stills & Nash on Monday, May 13 at 7:30 p.m. Presented by Venice Theatre at the Venice High School, 1 Indian Ave., Venice. Tickets $56. VeniceTheatre.org
Chapter Meeting ...
The Mangrove Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society hosts an interactive program on Tuesday, May 14 at 1 p.m., “iNaturalist Demonstration and Practice,” led by president, Dr. Ava Lasseter at Lemon Bay Park & Environmental Center, 570 Bay Park Blvd., Englewood. Time will be offered for an in-field experience. BYOPicnic social at 12:15 p.m. Free event. Contact
Ongoing Local Events
FITNESS
Tai Chi
Join Francine from Banyan Tree Pilates & Yoga, 320 East Railroad Ave., Boca Grande for Tai Chi every Sunday at 9 a.m. These slow gentle movements and physical postures may be beneficial for improving balance. Call (941) 964-4404 for more information.
Boca Barre & Buns
Using weights, resistance bands and barre technique, the class helps you regain strength, stamina, flexibility and balance. Bring your own mat. Tuesday & Thursday, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the multi-purpose room of the Boca Grande Community Center. Cost is $10 per class.
Beach Yoga
Join Michelle Hubbs from Banyan Tree Pilates & Yoga for beach yoga every Saturday at 8 a.m. at the 7th Street Beach access. $30 per session. Registration is required at banyantreepilatesandyoga.com/class-schedule/
LOCAL FARMERS MARKETS
The Venice Farmers Market is open in front of City Hall, 401 W. Venice Ave. Saturday hours from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. For information, go to thevenicefarmersmarket.org.
The Punta Gorda Farmers Market is open. The market is located at the corner of Taylor and Olympia in downtown Punta Gorda. The market is every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. For more information visit puntagordachamber.com/punta-gorda-farmers-market/
Dearborn Street Market is now open Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 335 W. Dearborn St.
ENTERTAINMENT, EDUCATION,
& LESSONS
Movies
Enjoy free movies in the Boca Grande Community Center Auditorium on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at 5 p.m. Film selections include a mix of classics and newer releases. During season, some showings may be canceled or moved to the Woman’s Club Room if there are conflicting programs. Movie schedules are released each month and posted outside of the Friends office. Historical Tour
A guided historical walking tour of The Gasparilla Inn main building is offered twice weekly throughout the season on Tuesday and Thursday. The walking tour meets on The Front Porch of The Inn at 10:30 a.m. and will take approximately one hour.
Culinary Tour
A guided tour of The Gasparilla Inn’s Main Kitchen is offered each Thursday and Saturday throughout the season and will take approximately one-half hour. This walking tour meets at The Inn’s Concierge Desk at 2 p.m. This tour will take you through The Inn’s Dining Room as well as The Main Kitchen and its various departments.
Horticulture Tour
A guided grounds and botanical walking tour of The Gasparilla Inn & Club property is offered each Friday throughout the season. This walking tour meets on The Front Porch of The Inn at 9 a.m. and will take approximately one-half hour.
Mom’s Group
MomCo, formerly MOPS, to offer local fellowship opportunities for moms at all stages. The group is free and open to all moms and mom-figures who would like to support and be supported by other moms. Every Wednesday from 5 to 6 p.m. held at the Lighthouse United Methodist Church, Boca Grande. (941) 964-2479.
Duplicate Bridge Club
The Duplicate Bridge Club will offer sanctioned games Monday and Wednesday at 1 p.m. Games will be held in the Crowninshield House. There will also be a newcomer’s game for those players with 50 or less masterpoints. All players must register online bgdbc.org or call Kathleen at (352) 801-9523. The goal is to provide a supportive and friendly community.
Boca Grande History Center
The Boca Grande Historical Society & History Center is open to the public Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free to all. For more information call (941) 964-1600.
Food donations needed
Please continue to support The Englewood Helping Hand blue barrel campaign. This off island mission supports and helps those in need right in our backyard!
There are blue barrel locations around Boca Grande in front of the Barnichol, at the registration building at the Boca Grande Club, at Parsley-Baldwin Real Estate, at Englewood Bank & Trust, at the Post Office and two more barrels at the Lighthouse United Methodist Church.
Here are some suggestions:
Tuna Fish, Spaghetti Sauce, Canned Meats, Ramen Noodles, Cereal/Pancake Mix, Canned Veggies, Rice/Snacks, Canned Fruit, Pasta/Mac & Cheese, Soups/Chili, Canned/Dried Beans, Evaporated Milk, Peanut Butter/Jelly, Canned Sloppy Joe, Deodorant/Razors, Bar Soap, Feminine Products, Condiments, i.e., Ketchup, Mustard, etc.
Interested in volunteering, or have questions, call Jane at (941) 223-2367 for further information.
Boca Grande Church Service Schedule
Lighthouse United Methodist Church - 300 Gilchrist Ave. Worship begins at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. on Sundays, bglighthouseumc.com.
First Baptist Church - 421 4th St. W. Worship will be held at 11 a.m. on Sundays in St. Andrews Episcopal Church. Pastor Beatty can be reached at (941) 276-1546.
Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church - 240 Park Avenue. Saturday Vigil mass is at 5 p.m., Sunday masses at 9 & 10:30 a.m. Confessions: Saturdays 4:15 to 4:45 p.m. (941) 964-2254.
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church - 390 Gilchrist Ave. Sunday worship will be in-person at 9:30 a.m. and online live-streamed on You